If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s simple enough for weeknights but packed with classic Italian comfort, this Simple Bolognese is destined to become your new go-to. With a handful of humble ingredients and a little simmering magic, you’ll create a rich, hearty sauce that clings lovingly to pasta and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. Whether you’re new to homemade sauces or a seasoned cook, this Simple Bolognese proves that you don’t need anything fancy—just patience and a passion for great flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every item in this Simple Bolognese recipe serves a clear purpose, from deepening the sauce’s flavor to adding sweetness, body, or a pop of color. Gather these essentials and you’ll see how each one works its magic for the ultimate comfort dish.
- Olive oil: The foundation—adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables for a soft, flavorful base.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Brings mellow sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks down.
- Carrots (2, peeled and finely chopped): Add a natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Celery stalks (2, finely chopped): Classic for aroma and subtle savory backbone in authentic Bolognese.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic punch—don’t skip it!
- Ground beef (1 lb, or half beef, half pork): The heart of Simple Bolognese, giving it a satisfying, meaty bite.
- Salt (1 tsp): Essential for seasoning every layer and bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds gentle heat and depth.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): For those who love a little kick—totally optional but highly recommended!
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds a lovely color.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 oz): Forms the saucy base—choose a good-quality brand if you can.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): The secret to a silky, mellow sauce that’s never too acidic.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Brings a touch of herbal warmth.
- Dried basil (1 tsp): Adds classic Italian fragrance to tie everything together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, plus more for serving): For salty, nutty richness—don’t be shy with extra on top!
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of green to brighten up the finished dish.
- Cooked pasta for serving: This sauce loves to cling to any shape—spaghetti, rigatoni, or tagliatelle all work beautifully.
How to Make Simple Bolognese
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet or sturdy saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook these for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything softens and turns a little golden. This aromatic trio, known as soffritto, forms the backbone of your Simple Bolognese, layering in sweetness and earthy flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute, just until fragrant. You’ll notice the whole kitchen starts to smell incredible! Stir constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn, as you want it to perfume the sauce but not turn bitter.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork if you’re feeling extra indulgent), salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the meat as it browns. Let it cook until there’s no pink left—this step is key for building a hearty, flavorful Simple Bolognese base.
Step 4: Stir in Tomato Paste
Spoon in the tomato paste and stir well. Let it cook for 2 minutes to caramelize slightly, which intensifies the tomato flavor and gives your sauce that gorgeous, deep color.
Step 5: Add Crushed Tomatoes and Simmer
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. Let it bubble away for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s thickened and the flavors have melded. This is where patience pays off—the longer it simmers, the richer your Simple Bolognese will be.
Step 6: Finish with Milk and Herbs
Stir in the whole milk, dried oregano, and dried basil. Simmer gently for another 10 minutes. The milk softens the acidity and gives the sauce a gorgeous, velvety finish. You’ll notice the sauce thickens up and the aroma turns even more irresistible.
Step 7: Add Parmesan and Serve
Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon the piping-hot Simple Bolognese over your favorite cooked pasta and finish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if you like. Dinner is served!
How to Serve Simple Bolognese
Garnishes
A generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan is a must for finishing Simple Bolognese, but don’t stop there! A handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley adds color and a burst of herby freshness. If you love a little heat, a pinch of extra red pepper flakes on top is fantastic.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve Simple Bolognese with crusty garlic bread for mopping up every last drop of sauce, or a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, also make a colorful and wholesome pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Swap out traditional spaghetti for rigatoni, pappardelle, or even creamy polenta—Simple Bolognese is delicious over any base that can catch all that rich sauce. For a fun twist, try spooning the sauce over baked potatoes, or layer it into a lasagna for a hearty family dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about Simple Bolognese is how well it keeps! Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors only get better as they mingle.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead or just save some for a rainy day, this sauce freezes beautifully. Portion cooled Simple Bolognese into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge whenever you need a quick, comforting meal.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or milk if needed to loosen it up. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just cover and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! While traditional Simple Bolognese uses beef (or a mix of beef and pork), ground turkey or chicken will still give you a delicious, lighter sauce. Just be sure to season generously and maybe add a bit more olive oil for richness.
Do I have to simmer the sauce for the full time?
Simmering allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken, but if you’re in a rush, even 20 minutes can yield a tasty Simple Bolognese. For the richest flavor, though, let it go the full 30 to 40 minutes if you can.
Is it necessary to add milk?
Milk adds a silky texture and mellows the acidity of the tomatoes, but if you’re dairy-free, you can skip it or use a splash of unsweetened plant milk. The sauce will still be delicious and hearty!
Can I make Simple Bolognese ahead of time?
Yes, and in fact, the flavors deepen overnight! Make it a day ahead and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prepping or easy entertaining.
What pasta shapes work best with this sauce?
Simple Bolognese is a match made in heaven with long noodles like spaghetti or tagliatelle, but chunky shapes like rigatoni or penne work wonderfully too, catching every bit of the hearty sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about sharing a pot of Simple Bolognese with family or friends—it’s the kind of meal that invites everyone to gather and linger at the table. Give this recipe a try and let it become a beloved favorite in your own kitchen, too!
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Simple Bolognese Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic and easy-to-make Simple Bolognese sauce featuring ground beef simmered with vegetables, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and enriched with milk and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for serving over your favorite pasta, this recipe yields a rich, flavorful sauce ideal for a comforting Italian dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Cooked pasta for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 6–8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground beef along with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the meat is browned and crumbled, stirring frequently to break it up evenly.
- Incorporate tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add crushed tomatoes and simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add milk and herbs: Stir in the milk, dried oregano, and dried basil. Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to enrich the sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the hot Bolognese sauce over cooked pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- This sauce can be prepared ahead of time and tends to taste even better the next day as flavors develop.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months for future meals.
- For a richer version, add a splash of red wine before adding the crushed tomatoes to boost depth and complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup sauce (without pasta)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
